MARDAN: Special assistant to chief minister on health Ihtisham Khan has said that provision of health and education facilities are fundamental rights of everyone and no one could be deprived of them.

He stated this while addressing the participants of a programme held on the premises of Mardan Medical Complex Hospital here the other day.

He said that the health department was launching a project to provide free OPD medicines to underprivileged and needy individuals. “This project will commence at the Mardan Medical Complex,” he said.

Provincial minister for food Zahir Shah Toru, MPA Iftikhar Mashwani and others were also present.

Mr Ihtisham emphasised that the development of health and education sectors was top priority of the provincial government. “Strict action will be taken against those doctors and paramedical staff who are found to be negligent in providing health services to people coming for treatment,” he said.

The CM’s aide said that Benazir Children’s Hospital would be provided with all necessary financial assistance to complete its remaining projects within a short period of time.

Mr Ihtisham claimed that the provincial government was working to improve the quality of services and ensure staff attendance in hospitals at the tehsil and district headquarters levels, aiming to reduce the burden on major hospitals and provide patients with medical facilities at their doorstep.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2025